Training apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a training apparatus for building up muscles of mainly the upper extremities and the trunk, and more particularly to an apparatus suitable for judo training.  
     The present invention includes: a bar  2  longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; a press operation section  3  which is rotatably attached to an intermediate portion of the bar  2  with a rotation shaft  7  perpendicular to the bar  2 , and which is formed in a way that the training exerciser operates the press operation section  3  by grasping portions on both sides of the rotation shaft  7 ; and a load application section  14  which applies a load to both ends of the bar  2 , the load acting against a pressing force applied to the bar  2  with the press operation section  3.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a training apparatus for building up muscles of mainly upper extremities and the trunk. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for judo training.

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, judo is a martial art in which players attempt to defeat each other with a variety of techniques. It is necessary to strength power to pull and push opponents and power to twist player' own body at the waist.

Currently, there are training apparatuses for strengthening power to pull the opponent. However, there is no training apparatus for strengthening power to push the opponent and power to twist the player' own bodies at the waist.

There conventionally exist training apparatuses for building up muscles of the upper extremities and the trunk. However, most of the apparatuses provide training by repeating simple motions. There is no training apparatus which can provide training in motions similar to complicated motions of a standing position in judo matches. The development of such training apparatuses has been demanded.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus for building up muscles of mainly the upper extremities and the trunk, and more particularly to provide an apparatus suitable for judo training.

In order to achieve the above object, a training apparatus according to a first invention includes a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; a press operation section which is rotatably attached to an intermediate portion of the bar with a rotation shaft perpendicular to the bar, and which is formed in a way that the training exerciser operates the press operation section by grasping portions on both sides of the rotation shaft; and a load application section which applies a load to both ends of the bar, the load acting against a pressing force applied to the bar with the press operation section.

Moreover, a training apparatus according to a second invention includes a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members connecting a surface on which the training exerciser stands to both ends of the bar. Each of the plurality of elastic members allows, within the limitation of elasticity, up-and-down movements of the bar and twists thereof and applies a load to the bar, the load acting against the upward movements of the bar and the twists thereof

Furthermore, a training apparatus according to a third invention includes a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members, which are attached to both ends of the bar, and which connect the bar between two fixtures arranged at both sides of a space where the training exerciser performs training. Each of the plurality of elastic members allows free movements of the bar within the limitation of elasticity and applies a load acting against the movements to the bar.

Still moreover, a training apparatus according to a fourth invention includes a body binding section which is bound around the body of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members which connect the body binding section to fixtures arranged around a space where the training exerciser performs training. Each of the plurality of elastic members allows twists of the body binding section within the limitation of elasticity and applies a load acting against the twists to the body binding section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a partial plane view of the training apparatus 1.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a partial expanded cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a partial expanded cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a partial expanded perspective view of a training apparatus 1.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 1.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a plane view of the training apparatus 101.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of a stage 104 of the training apparatus 101.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 101.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a training apparatus 201.

[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 201.

[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a plane view of the training apparatus 301.

[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 301.

[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment.

[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment.

[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment.

[FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment.

[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a modified example of the first embodiment.

[FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment.

[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment, and

[FIG. 24] FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following will explain embodiments of the present invention based on drawings. FIG. 1 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial expanded plane view of the training apparatus 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial expanded cross-sectional views of FIG. 2, respectively. FIG. 5 is a partial expanded perspective view of the training apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the training apparatus 1 includes a bar 2 made of material having rigidity such as metal. The bar 2 is formed to be longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser of average build. Thereby, the bar 2 is projected on both sides from the training exerciser by about several tens centimeters, in a state that the bar 2 is horizontally placed in front of the training exerciser.

A press operation section 3 is attached to a central portion of the bar 2 in its longitudinal direction. The press operation section 3 is made of material having rigidity such as metal. The press operation section 3 has a thin and long handle bar 4 (rotational member), which extends in parallel to the bar 2, and handles 5, 5 attached to both ends of the handle bar 4.

A cylindrical supporting member 6 is fixed to the central portion of the bar 2 in the longitudinal direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the supporting member 6 has a projecting portion 6 a which projects in the outer direction of the supporting member 6. The handle bar 4 is attached to a top end portion of the projecting portion 6 a with a screw 7 (rotation shaft).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, thrust bearings 8 are inserted between the projecting portion 6 a and the handle bar 4 and between a head portion 7 a of the screw 7 and the handle 4, respectively. The handle bar 4 can smoothly rotate about a shaft portion 7 b of the screw 7 which is perpendicular to the bar 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the handle 5 has a rectangular shape formed by combining a plurality of rods. A grasped portion 5 a, which the training exerciser grasps with the hand, is cylindrically formed. A central portion in the longitudinal direction of a front portion 5 b, which faces to the grasped portion 5 a, is attached to the end portion of the handle bar 4 with a screw (spindle) 9.

In other words, a through hole 5 c is formed in the central portion of the front portion 5 b in the longitudinal direction. A cylindrical liner 10 with a hat-shaped cross section is fitted into the through hole 5 c so as not to rotate. The liner 10 is made of material with a low coefficient of friction and a shaft portion 9 b of the screw 9 (parallel to the shaft portion 7 b of the screw 7) is rotatably fitted in the liner 10.

A screw hole 11 is formed in an end portion of the handle bar 4. The top end of the shaft portion 9 b of the screw 9 is fitted into the screw holes 11. Minute clearances are formed between the handle bar 4 and the front portion 5 b of the handle 5 and between the linear 10 and a head portion 9 a of the screw 9, respectively. The handle 5 can smoothly rotate about the shaft portion 9 b of the screw 9.

It should be noted that a plurality of screw holes 11 are formed at predetermined intervals in each of the end portions of the handle bar 4 in the longitudinal direction. By changing the screw hole 11 into which the screw 9 is fitted, the position of the handle 5 can be changed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, arms 12, which intersect with the bar 2 and extend in parallel to each other, are fixed to the right and left ends of the bar 2, respectively. A through hole 12 a is formed in the top end portion of each of the arms 12, and an annular end portion 13 a of a wire 13 is attached to each through hole 12 a. The other end portions 13 b of the wire 13, 13 are connected to the top end portions of a pair of ropes 15, 15 drawn from a weight training machine 14 (load application section), respectively.

This weight training machine 14 includes a pair of weight lifting sections 16, 16, which are vertically arranged respectively right and left with a space interposed in between, a pair of guide bars 17, 17, which are vertically arranged on respective right and left sides, thereby interposing the weight lifting sections 16, 16 in between, and a rope guide section 18, which is liftably provided with being hung across these bars 17 and 17.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the weight lifting sections 16 includes a pair of right and left guide bars 19, 19, which are vertically arranged, a weight support section 20, which is liftably attached to the guide bars 19, 19, a plurality of plate-shaped weights 21, 21, . . . , which are placed under the weight support section 20, which are liftably engaged with the guide bars 19, 19, and which are above and below stacked on one another, and a rope guide device 22 attached to upper ends of the guide bars 19, 19.

A rectangular plate member 23 is fixed to a floor surface of a training room along a wall surface W, and the guide bars 19, 19 are arranged on the upper surface of the plate member 23 in a standing manner.

Furthermore, a rectangular plate member 24 is horizontally fixed to the wall surface W of the training room. Thus, the rectangular plate member 24 is placed vertically above the plate member 23, and the rope guide devices 22 are attached to the front surface of the plate member 24.

The weight support sections 20 are liftably engaged respectively with the guide bars 19, 19. Each of the weight support section 20 has a pair of right and left bearing plates 25, 25, and the bearing plates 25, 25 pivotably support a pulley 26, thereby being arranged vertically and rotatably. Furthermore, a shaft 27 which passes through each of the weights 21 is projected vertically downward from the lower surface of the weight support section 20.

In the shaft 27, through holes 27 a, 27 a, . . . , which pass therethrough in the back and forth direction, are formed at periodical intervals in the axial direction, and each of the intervals is equal to the thickness of one weight 21.

Each of the weights 21 is provided with a pin insertion through hole 21 a, which passes therethrough in the back and forth direction, and a shaft insertion through hole 21 b, which passes therethrough in the up and down direction, and through which the shaft 27 passes.

When the weight support section 20 comes into contact with the upper surface of the weight 21 placed at the uppermost position in a state where the weights 21 are above and below stacked on one another, each of the through holes 27 a of the shaft 27 matches any one of the pin insertion through holes 21 a of the respective weights 21. If a pin 28 is inserted into the pin insertion through hole 21 a of an arbitrary weight 21, the pin 28 passes through the weight 21 and the shaft 27. Thus, the top end portion thereof is projected to the back of the shaft 27.

When the weight support section 20 rises in this state, the weight 21 in which the pin 28 is inserted and all the weights 21 placed thereabove rise together in a state where they are hung from the weight support section 20. Accordingly, by changing the weight 21 into which the pin 28 is inserted, it is possible to control the number of weights 21 to be hung from the weight support section 20.

Each of the rope guide devices 22 includes a housing 29, which is fixed to the plate member 24 and the upper end of each of the guide bars 19, 19, a bearing section 30, which is pivotally supported by the housing 29 so that it is rotatable in the horizontal direction, and a pulley 31 which is pivotally supported by the bearing section 30, thereby being arranged vertically and rotatably.

The upper ends of the guide bars 17, 17 are fixed to the plate member 24 with supporting members 32 and the lower ends thereof are fixed to the plate member 23.

The rope guide section 18 includes a plate-shaped supporting member 34, which is horizontally and liftably provided to the guide bars 17, 17, a pair of holders 35, 35, which are respectively attached to both right and left ends of the front surface of the supporting member 34, bearing sections 36, each of which is pivotally supported by each of the holders 35 to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, pulleys 37, each of which is pivotally supported by each of the bearing sections 36, thereby being arranged vertically and rotatably, bearing sections 38, which are respectively fixed to the upper portions of both right and left ends of the supporting member 34, and pulleys 39, each of which is pivotally supported by each of the bearing sections 38, thereby being arranged vertically and rotatably.

In addition, a gate section 40 is formed in the front end portion of each of the bearing sections 36. The gate section 40 guides, in the forward direction, the rope 15 drawn from the pulley 37. Moreover, a guide rod 41 is formed in the front end portion of each of the bearing sections 38, and a space is formed between the pulley 39 and the guide rod 41. Thus, the rope 15 is passed through the space.

The rope 15 drawn to the gate section 40 is bound around an outer periphery portion of the pulley 37, and is engaged with an outer periphery portion of the pulley 39 after passing through a through hole 35 a at the top portion of the holder 35. Then, the rope 15 is bound around an outer periphery portion of the upward pulley 31, thereby extending downward. Subsequently, the rope 15 is bound around an outer periphery portion of the pulley 26, thereby extending upward. Thus, the upper end of the rope 15 is attached to a lower surface of the housing 29.

When the rope 15 drawn from the gate section 40 is pulled forward, the weight support section 20 and the weights 21 hung therefrom are lifted up. Meanwhile, when a pulling force of the rope 15 is loosened, the weight support section 20 and the weights 21 are lifted down.

An explanation will be next given of how to use the training apparatus 1 based on FIG. 6. When a training exerciser grasps the handles 5, 5 of the press operation section 3 with both hands and pushes the handles forward, a pushing force is transmitted to the bar 2 through the supporting member 6 and further transmitted to the ropes 15, 15 (see FIG. 5) through the arms 12, 12, and the wires 13, 13.

This applies an upward force to each of the weight support sections 20, thereby lifting up the weight support sections 20 and the weights 21 hung therefrom. Thus, the weight thereof acts on each of the ropes 15, 15. The weight is transmitted to the both ends of the bar 2 through each of the wires 13, 13, and each of the arms 12, 12, thereby applying a backward load to the bar 2.

The training exerciser repeats motions of pressing the press operation section 3 forward with both arms thrust out in order to overcome this load, thereby making it possible to build up muscles of the upper extremities and the trunk. Moreover, since the press operation section 3 is rotatable in both directions at 360° and unstable, it is possible to strength both the wrists and forearm muscles at the same time.

Moreover, in this embodiment, since the handles 5, 5 are rotatable in both directions at 360°, it is possible to rotate the wrists. Accordingly, since angles of wrists and arms come close to those of wrists and arms at the time of grabbing a judo uniform, it is possible to perform training in motions and images, which are extremely similar to motions of pushing and pulling performed in a judo match. In addition, when cloth made of the material same as that of the judo uniform is put around the grasped portions 5 a of each handle 5, it is made possible to perform training in the images more similar to those of the actual judo matches.

Moreover, since the training exerciser firmly grasps the handles 5, 5 and thrusts out the arms in pressing the press operation section 3 a, it is possible to strengthen grasping power and to build up muscles of shoulders. Still moreover, since it is necessary to brace the feet for balance in pressing the press operation section 3 a, it is possible to build up not only the muscles of the upper half of the body but also those of the lower half of the body. Particularly, it is possible to build up bronchial muscles, forearm muscles, rectus abdominal muscles, greater pectoral muscles, broadest muscles of back, and the like.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a load is applied by pulling both ends of the bar 2 via the ropes 15, 15. Thus, the bar 2 is unstable enough to be swung in a vertical plane, when the press operation section 3 is operated. The above-mentioned structure is useful for strengthening, particularly, the lower part of the body.

By performing training with this training apparatus 1, it is possible to build up strength to stretch the arms against the opponent's pulling and pushing in the judo match.

In addition, the amount of the load to be applied to the bar 2 in the weight training machine 14 can be controlled by changing the number of weights 21 to be hung from the weight support section 20. Moreover, the height of the ropes 15, 15 from the floor surface can be controlled by lifting up and down the supporting member 34 of the rope guide section 18.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bearing sections 36, 36, which support the pulleys 37, 37 of the rope guide sections 18, are movable in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the degree of safety is high since no excessive resistance is caused by the detachment and twisting of the wires 13, 13, in the case where the training exerciser changes directions of thrusting out the arms.

In addition, it is possible to know the amount of the load to be applied to the bar 2 by measuring the weight of the weights 21. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

FIGS. 17 to 21 illustrate modified examples of the first embodiment.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the supporting member 6 can be rotated about the central axis of the bar 2 and fixed at an arbitrary position. The press operation section 3 is rotated about the central axis of the bar 2 at about 180° and fixed at the corresponding position. When a pulling force is applied, in the direction of an arrow, to the bar 2 with the press operation section 3 at this position, a load acting against the pulling force is applied to both ends of the bar 2 with the weight training machine 14 (see FIG. 1). This configuration makes it possible to perform training in a motion similar to a motion performed when one pulls the opponent by grasping the opponent with both hands.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, in place of the press operation section 3, a press operation section 42 for one hand operation can be rotatably attached with the screw 7. This press operation section 42 is formed in the manner similar to the handle 5 of the press operation section 3 and the training exerciser operates the press operation section 42 with one of the hands grasping it. This configuration makes it possible to perform training in a motion similar to a motion performed when one pushes the opponent by grasping the opponent with one of the hands.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, a pair of handles 5 can be attached to the handle bar 4 in a way that there is a distance X, in an axial direction of the screw 7, between one of the handles 5 and the other thereof. In other words, it is possible to insert a spacer 50 with a height corresponding to the distance X between one of the handles 5 and the handle bar 4. This configuration makes it possible to perform training with one arm stretched out and the other arm bended. Thereby, it is possible to perform training corresponding to various styles of judo matches.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, provided is an amount-of exercise display section 43 which calculates training exerciser's amount-of exercise and displays the calculated result. The amount-of exercise display section 43 includes a counter 44, which counts the number of weights 21 to be lifted up and down and the number of up-and-down movements, a counter circuit 45, which calculates amount-of exercise based on a value detected in the counter 44, and a display device 46, which displays the amount-of exercise calculated by the counter circuit 45.

Note that, the counter circuit 45 and the display device 46 may be designed for exclusive use, or only software may be newly created by using a general personal computer. Moreover, although the amount-of exercise to be displayed is not particularly limited, it is possible to display, for example, the number of up-and-down movements, a total weight, a kinetic energy (calories), and the like. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, provided is a doll attaching section 48 for attaching, to the bar 2, a doll 47 which is a virtual opponent. The doll attaching section 48 is rod-shaped. One end of the doll attaching section 48 is fixed to an outer surface of the supporting member 6, while the other end is projected in the direction perpendicular to the bar 2. The doll 47 is placed in front of the training exerciser, thereby facing with the training exerciser. Thus the doll 47 is fixed to the top end of the doll attaching section 48 by a fixing member 49. This configuration makes it possible to perform training in images of actual matches.

It should be noted that the examples shown in FIG. 17 to 21 may be carried out singly or in any combination of some of them.

Furthermore, a configuration may be made in which the amount of the load acting on one end of the bar 2 and that of the load acting on the other end thereof become instantaneously unbalanced depending on the pressing force and the pulling force acting on the bar 2. This configuration makes it possible to perform training similar to various motions in the actual judo matches.

As a mechanism which offers the aforementioned function and effect, for example, a clutch mechanism is provided at one weight lifting section 16. When a speed of a wire 15 connected to the weight lifting section 16 exceeds a certain speed, the clutch mechanism is actuated to interrupt the transmission of the load to the wire 15.

Furthermore, it is safe to provide a mechanism which prevents the weights 21 from suddenly falling down in the case of a sudden stop of the operation pushing and pulling the bar 2. As the above-explained mechanism, a flyweight and a brake shoe are provided in a pulley which guides the wire 15. The flyweight oscillates when a centrifugal force reaches a predetermined value or more, and the brake shoe catches and holds the wire 15 when the flyweight oscillates.

An explanation will be next given of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plane view of the training apparatus 101. FIG. 9 is a side view of a stage 104 of the training apparatus 101. FIG. 10 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 101.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the training apparatus 101 includes a thin and long bar 102. The bar 102 is formed to be longer than the shoulder width of a training exerciser of average build. Thus, the end portions of the bar 102 are projected from the training exerciser at both sides by several tens centimeters, in a state that the training exerciser puts the bar 102 on the shoulders.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the bar 102 has a main bar 102 a made of material having rigidity such as metal. Annular connection portions 102 b are formed in both right and left ends of the main bar 102 a, respectively. A plurality of string-shaped elastic members 103, 103, . . . , which are made of rubber and the like, are inserted to the respective connection portions 102 b. Moreover, a tube 102 c, which is made of resin material and has elasticity, is mounted on an outer periphery surface of the main bar 102 a.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a stage, which is placed on the floor surface, and which is made of a rectangular plate material having rigidity. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a sheet member 105 (slip stopping means), which is made of material with a high coefficient of friction, is adhered to the lower surface of the stage 104, in order to prevent the stage 104 from slipping on the floor surface.

An annular connection member 106 is arranged in a standing manner at each of the corners of the upper surface of the stage 104. The elastic members 103 are connected to the connection members 106 with connection rings 107, respectively. Each of the elastic members 103 is inserted in the connection portion 102 b and the connection ring 107, and both ends of the elastic members 103 (not shown) are tied with each other. The elastic member 103 is detachable from the connection ring 107 and the connection portion 102 b. The amount of a load to be applied to the bar 102 can be controlled by changing the number of elastic members 103 or by replacing them with other elastic members.

An explanation will be next given of how to use this training apparatus 101 based on FIG. 10. The training exerciser steps on the stage 104, and upholds the bar 102 with the bar 102 horizontally placed on the shoulders. Thus, each of the elastic members 103 expands within the limitation of elasticity, and thereby a downward load occurs at both right and left ends of the bar 102. Moreover, when the bar 102 placed on the shoulders is swung right and left, each of the elastic members 103 is expanded and contracted within the limitation of elasticity. As a result, a load acting against the twist occurs on both right and left ends of the bar 102.

It is possible to build up the muscles of the lower half of the body and the trunk by repeating a squat exercise in which knees are bent and stretched with the bar 102 placed on the shoulders and also by twisting the bar 102 right and left during the squat exercise. In addition, the bar 102 may be swung right and left in a state that the bar 102 is upheld at a level of the waist behind him/her. If a body bending and stretching exercise is slowly performed during the squat exercise, this increases a time for which the load of the elastic member 103 acts on the lower half of the body and the trunk, thereby providing an effective result.

By performing the aforementioned exercises, it is possible to build up, particularly, quadriceps femoris muscles, biceps femoris muscles (hamstring muscles), gastrocnemius muscles, soleus muscles (calves), latissimus dorsi muscles, abdominal muscles, gluteus maximus muscles, and the like. This makes it possible to build up a core of the body necessary for judo, and to improve a balance of the body when one is attacked by using a judo technique or one competes with the opponent.

In the training apparatus 101, the elastic members 103 applies the load to the bar 102, and thereby the bar 102 can be made relatively lightweight. Accordingly, an inertial force exerted at the time of twisting the bar 102 is small, as compared with a training apparatus applying a load with weights (for example, a squat shaft, etc.). For this reason, excessive a twisting force and a wrenching force do not act on the body, thereby making it possible to perform training in quick motions while ensuring the safety.

In addition, the training apparatus 101 has advantages of a extremely simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and easy movement.

Furthermore, it is possible to know the amount of the load to be applied to the bar 102 by measuring the elastic force of the elastic members 103. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

Note that, in this embodiment, the elastic members 103 are attached to the stage 104 placed on the floor surface, but the elastic members 103 may be attached to the floor surface with suitable attaching means.

FIGS. 22 to 24 illustrate modified examples of the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, each of the connection portions 102 b of the bar 102 is connected to each of the connection members 106 of the stage 104 by a plurality of elastic members 103 with a plurality of connection rings 107 interposed in between. The number of connection rings 107 and that of elastic members 103 can be arbitrarily increased or decreased. This configuration makes it possible to adjust a height from the stage 104 to the bar 102, and thus to handle a plurality of training exercisers who have different heights. Furthermore, it is possible to control the amount of the load to be applied to the bar 102, by changing the number of elastic members 103 or by replacing the elastic members 103 with those having a different elastic force.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, provided is an amount-of-exercise display section 108 which calculates training exerciser's amount-of-exercise and displays the calculated result. This amount-of-exercise display section 108 includes a counter 109, which counts the number of up-and-down amount-of-exercise of the bar 102, a counter circuit 110, which calculates amount-of-exercise based on a value detected in the counter 109, and a display device 111, which displays the amount-of-exercise calculated by the counter circuit 110.

Note that, the counter circuit 110 and the display device 111 may be designed for exclusive use, or only software may be newly created by using a general personal computer. Moreover, although the amount-of-exercise to be displayed is not particularly limited, it is possible to display, for example, the number of up-and-down movements, a total weight, a kinetic energy (calories) and the like. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the stage 104 is equally divided into a pair of right and left divided portions 104 a and 104 b along a central line 112 extending in the back and forth direction. The divided portions 104 a and 104 b are rotatably connected to each other by a pair of hinges 113 provided at respective boundary portions between the divided portions 104 a and 104 b. The stage 104 is foldable along the central line 112. With this configuration, the stage 104 can be folded and made compact, and thereby transportability and easiness of storage can be improved.

Note that, the examples shown in FIG. 22 to 24 may be carried out singly or in any combination of some of them.

An explanation will be next given of a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side view of the training apparatus 201 and FIG. 13 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 201.

The training apparatus 201 is used by being connected to two fixtures S, S arranged at both ends of a space where a training exerciser performs training. The training apparatus 201 includes a bar 202 shorter than the distance between the fixtures S, S. The bar 202 is formed to be longer than the shoulder width of a training exerciser of average build. The end portions of the bar 202 are projected from the training exerciser at both sides by several tens centimeters, in a state that the bar 202 is placed in front of the training exerciser. Note that, as the fixtures S, S, already-existing fixtures (for example, support legs of another training apparatus) may be used or the one designed for exclusive use may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the bar 202 has a main bar 202 a formed of material having rigidity such as metal. Annular connection portions 202 b are formed in both right and left ends of the main bar 202 a, respectively. A plurality of string-shaped elastic members 203, 203 are made of rubber and the like. Each of the elastic members 203 is attached to each of the connection portions 202 b with a connection ring 204 interposed in between.

Each of the elastic members 203 is inserted in the connection ring 204 and bound around an outer periphery portion of the fixture S. Then, both ends of the elastic member 203 are tied with each other (not shown). The elastic member 203 is detachable from the connection ring 204 and the fixture S. The amount of the load to be applied to the bar 202 can be controlled by changing the number of elastic members 203 or by replacing them with other elastic members.

An explanation will be next given of how to use the training apparatus 201 based on the training apparatus 201. The training exerciser holds the bar 202 with both hands and performs motions such as turning with the body centered, twisting and stepping. This generates a load acting against these motions on both right and left ends of the bar 202.

Since the bar 202 can be freely moved within a limitation of elasticity of each of the elastic members 203, it is possible to build up the muscles of the whole body. Particularly, it is possible to build up forearm muscles, biceps brachii muscles, triceps brachii muscles, quadriceps femoris muscles, latissimus dorsi muscles and the like.

Moreover, in the training apparatus 201, the elastic members 203 applies the load to the bar 202, and thereby the bar 202 can be made relatively lightweight. Accordingly, since an inertial force exerted at the time of twisting the bar 202 is small, an excessive twisting force and an excessive wrenching force do not act on the body, thereby making it possible to perform training in quick motions while ensuring the safety.

Since the training exerciser can move the bar 202 freely and quickly, he/she can perform training in the motions and images similar to those of the actual judo matches.

For example, a motion similar to the major outer reaping by using the left leg can be performed in a way that one pushes the bar 202 with left hand while stepping forward with the right foot, and pulls the bar 202 with the right hand, thereby twisting the body right.

Moreover, a motion similar to the throwing technique over the right shoulder can be performed in a way that one pushes the bar 202 with the right hand while stepping forward with the right foot and left foot in this order, and pulls the bar 202 with the left hand, thereby twisting the body left at a 180 degree angle.

The training apparatus 201 has advantages of the extremely simple structure, low manufacturing cost and easy movement.

Furthermore, it is possible to know the amount of the load to be applied to the bar 202 by measuring the elastic force of the elastic members 203. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

Moreover, there is also an advantage in that one can perform training at any place if there is a place having fixtures to which the bar 202 is connected.

An explanation will be next given of a forth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a whole perspective view of a training apparatus 301 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a plane view of the training apparatus 301. FIG. 16 is a view explaining how to use the training apparatus 301.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the training apparatus 301 is used by being connected to a plurality of fixtures S′, S′, . . . arranged around a space where a training exerciser performs training. The training apparatus 301 includes a body binding section 302 bound around the trunk of the training exerciser.

Note that, as the fixtures S′, existing fixtures (for example, support struts of another training apparatus and the like) may be used or those designed for exclusive use may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the body binding section 302 includes a flexible tub 303, which is made of resin material, a chain 304, which is inserted into the tube 303, and whose both ends are projected from the tube 303, and a hook-shaped stopper 305 attached to one end of the chain 304.

The body binding section 302 is formed in an elliptic shape. A plurality of string-shaped elastic members 306, 306, . . . , which are made of rubber and the like, are connected to each of the ends of the body binding section 302 in the major axial direction with a pair of connection rings 307, 307. Both ends of each of the elastic members 306 are tied with each other. Each of the elastic members 306 is inserted in the connection rings 307, 307, and connected to the fixtures S′ movably in the up and down directions with hook-shaped connection members 308 and wires 309.

It should be noted that the elastic member 306 is detachable from the connection rings 307 and the connection members 308. The amount of a load to be applied to the body binding section 302 can be controlled by changing the number of elastic members 303 or by replacing them with other elastic members.

An explanation will be next given of how to use the training apparatus 301. In a state that the body binding section 302 is bound around the body of the training exerciser and fastened to a proper degree, an appropriate portion of the other end of the chain 304 is hooked on the stopper 305, thereby the stopper 305 being stopped.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the training exerciser twists the body right and left, each of the elastic members 306 is expanded and contracted, and thereby a load acting against the twist acts on the body binding section 302. Since this load directly acts on the body of the training exerciser, it is possible to build up the muscle of the trunk without failure. Particularly, it is possible to build up rectus abdominal muscle, oblique abdominal muscle and the like.

Furthermore, when the training exerciser performs motions of stepping forward or backward with any of the feet and simultaneously twists the body, he/she can perform training in the motions and images similar to those of the actual judo matches.

The training apparatus 301 has advantages of the extremely simple structure, low manufacturing cost and easy movement.

Moreover, since the elastic members 306 apply the load, the body binding section 302 is lightweight and an inertial force exerted at the time of twisting is small. Accordingly, an excessive twisting force and an excessive wrenching force do not act on the body, thereby making it possible to perform training in quick motions while ensuring the safety.

Moreover, there is also an advantage in that one can perform training in any place if there is a place having the fixtures to which the body binding section 302 is connected.

Furthermore, it is possible to know the amount of the load to be applied to the body binding section 302 by measuring the elastic force of the elastic members 306. This makes it possible to perform training with high rationality based on the numerical reason.

It should be noted that a structure of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. Various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Furthermore, the training apparatuses of the present invention can be also used in any training other then judo training.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the training apparatus of the first invention, the training exerciser grasps the press operation section with both hands and presses it forward, so that the load in the direction opposite to the pressing direction occurs at both ends of the bar. The training exerciser repeats the motion of pressing the press operation section forward in order to overcome this load, thereby making it possible to build up the muscle of the upper extremities and the trunk. Furthermore, since the press operation section is rotatable and unstable, it is possible to strength both the wrists and the forearm muscles at the same time. Moreover, since it is necessary that the training exerciser push out both arms with the press operation section grasped firmly with both hands, it is possible to strengthen grasping power and the muscle of the shoulders. Still moreover, since it is necessary that to the training exerciser balance with the feet braced in pressing the press operation section, not only the muscle of the upper half of the body but also those of the lower half thereof can be strengthened.

In the training apparatus of the second invention, the training exerciser upholds the bar with the bar placed on the shoulders, thereby generating a downward load at both ends of the bar. In addition, when the bar placed on the shoulders is swung right and left, a load acting against the twist occurs at the bar. Thus, the muscles of the lower half of the body and the trunk can be strengthened, by repeating a squat exercise in which knees are bent and stretched with the bar 102 placed on the shoulders and also by twisting the bar 102 right and left during the squat exercise. Moreover, a similar effect can also be obtained when the bar is swung right and left in a state that the bar 102 is upheld at a level of the waist behind him/her.

In the training apparatus of the third invention, the training exerciser holds the bar with both hands and performs motions such as turning with the body centered, twisting and stepping. This generates a load acting against these motions on the bar. In this training apparatus, since the movement of the bar is not limited, it is possible to build up the muscles of the whole body and perform training in the motions and images similar to those of the actual judo matches.

In the training apparatus of the fourth invention, the training exerciser twists the body right and left, so that a load acting against the twisting occurs on the body binding section. Since the load directly acts on the body of the training exerciser, it is possible to build up the muscles of the trunk without failure. Furthermore, the training exerciser can perform the motions of stepping forward or backward with any of the feet and simultaneously can twist the body. For this reason, it is possible to perform training in the motions and images similar to those of the actual judo matches. 

1. A training apparatus comprising: a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; a press operation section which is rotatably attached to an intermediate portion of the bar with a rotation shaft perpendicular to the bar, and which is formed in a way that the training exerciser operates the press operation section by grasping portions on both sides of the rotation shaft; and a load application section which applies a load to both ends of the bar, the load acting against a pressing force applied to the bar via the press operation section.
 2. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the press operation section includes a rotational member, which is rotatably attached to the bar with the rotation shaft, and a pair of handles, each of which is rotatably attached to the rotational member with a spindle parallel to the rotation shaft.
 3. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the press operation section is capable of moving to a position where the press operation section rotates about a central axis of the bar at substantially 180°, and when a pulling force is applied to the bar with the press operation section at the position, a load acting against the pulling force is applied to the bar by the load application section.
 4. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in place of the press operation section, a press operation section for one hand operation can be rotatably attached to the bar with the rotation shaft.
 5. The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pair of handles are capable of being attached to the rotational member in a way that one of the handles is positioned more away from the bar than the other of the handles with a distance in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.
 6. The training apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an amount-of-exercise display section which calculates an amount-of-exercise of the training exerciser and displays the calculated amount-of-exercise.
 7. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a doll representing a virtual opponent is attachable to the bar in a state that the doll is placed in front of the training exerciser, and faces with the training exerciser.
 8. A training apparatus comprising: a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members connecting a surface on which the training exerciser stands to both ends of the bar; wherein each of the plurality of elastic members allows, within a limitation of elasticity, up-and-down movements of the bar and twists thereof, and applies a load to the bar, the load acting against upward movements of the bar and the twists thereof.
 9. The training apparatus according to claim 8, comprising a stage which is placed on a floor surface, and on which the training exerciser steps, wherein a lower end portion of each of the plurality of elastic members is attached to the stage.
 10. A training apparatus comprising: a bar longer than a shoulder width of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members which are attached to both ends of the bar, and which connect the bar between two fixtures arranged at both sides of a space where the training exerciser performs training, wherein each of the plurality of elastic members allows free movements of the bar within a limitation of elasticity, and applies a load to the bar, the load acting against the movements.
 11. A training apparatus comprising: a body binding section which is bound around the body of a training exerciser; and a plurality of elastic members which connect the body binding section to fixtures arranged around a space where the training exerciser performs training, wherein each of the plurality of elastic members allows twists of the body binding section within a limitation of elasticity, and applies a load to the body binding section, the load acting against the twists. 